You may also download a file containing pictures of the campus and local area.

Please note that the CNIC is located on the Carlos III hospital campus. The latter is far better known among the locals and taxi drivers. Please refer to it and then to CNIC when taking a cab or asking for directions.

by plane

Madrid's international airport "Barajas" is located only 10 km from CNIC, where the workshop will be held. It features flight connections to nearly every place on Earth.

From the airport you may take a taxi, the fare to CNIC is around 30 - 40 euros. Please take only the certified white taxis. You may be accosted by "private" taxis that usually charge far more.

The adventurous guests may try to use the metro to get to CNIC. You will have to take line 8 and change to line 9 at Colombia station towards Herrera Oria, exit Barrio del Pilar. Besides the usual fare of 1,00 euro for one ride or 0,90 euros, if bought as a ten-rides ticket (MetroBus, 10 tickets for 9,00 euros), you will need to purchase a special airport supplement of 1,00 euro.

by train

One of Madrid's main railway stations, Chamartín, is located only 1 km from CNIC. From there you may walk or take a taxi (less than 5 euros).

by car

To reach Madrid from any direction, follow the signs to inner beltway M30. Then take the exit onto Calle 30/M-30 toward A-42/A-6/A Coruña/A-5/A-4/Avenida Ilustración.

by bus

There are many bus stations around the Carlos III campus on which CNIC is located. Bus #147 takes you to the Foxà 32 hotel, should you decide to stay there, and to the heart of Madrid (Plaza Callao).

currency

The official currency in Spain is still the euro (€). Foreign euros and other currencies can be converted to Spanish euros at banks, which are usually open from Monday to Friday from 8:30 to 14:00. Most hotels also exchange currencies and traveller's checks. You may find it easier to use your credit and/or European EC card (most merchants require ID) for payments or cash withdrawals.

weather

In June the temperature in Madrid ranges from 20 to 28 °C (70s °F), the average precipitation is 28 mm. You may consult the current forecast.

electricity

Electric power in Spain is supplied at 220V - 50Hz AC. The power outlets are predominantly standard European (it is a good idea to bring an adapter).

habits and peculiarities

The time-table in Spain is different from the rest of the civilized world. Accordingly lunch and dinner time are shifted to later hours. Lunch is usually between 2:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. and dinner is usually served after 10:00 p.m. Most restaurants do not open before that time. The famous "siesta" after lunch is also observed by the majority of small stores and shops, which means they are closed from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m.

emergency calls

(Dialed Free of Charge)Police, fire, or medical emergency: 112

sightseeing in madrid and surroundings

Due to the immense number of possibilities we can only provide a few links:
For those who want to know it all: Madrid
For lovers of superb art, especially Spanish grands like Velazquez, Goya, Zurbaran: The Prado
For lovers of modern art with Picasso's "Guernica" as its centerpiece: Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía
For connoisseurs of art from 14th to 21st centuries, featuring one of the finest private collections in the world: Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza
For those who'd like to follow the steps of Ernest Hemingway in Madrid, kindly provided by Michael Palin (ex-Monty Python): Palin's Travels

pick pocketing

Although Madrid is one of the safest cities in Europe, it is also a crowded touristic place, and this attracts pickpockets. Many of them are minors who work in pairs; while one provides distraction (i.e. by begging, selling gum or tissue), the other one will extract your wallet. They are also highly proficient in robbing at ATM machines while you are trying to withdraw your money. Pickpocket crimes mainly occur in the center of Madrid, especially in the area of Puerta del Sol, Preciados street, Mayor street, and also at Starbuck cafes and other various shops.

tours

There is an excellent possibility to explore Madrid by hop-on, hop-off double-decker buses called Madrid Vision. The 1-day ticket (€16,00 if bought online) allows you to follow two routes: Historical Madrid and Modern Madrid. (Audio guides are available in English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Portuguese, Russian, and Spanish.) Each tour lasts approximately 75 minutes and can be started from any bus stop. The tickets can be purchased on the buses, in hotels, at travel agencies, and at the Madrid Vision information center at Felipe IV Street in front of the Prado Museum.

For those participants who are less interested in Spanish history or museums, we suggest the Tapas Experience starting at 4:00 p.m. organized by Sandeman's Neweuropetours.

Accommodation fees are not included in the course fees. However, we do have a group reservation at the following hotel, which is conveniently located near CNIC where the course will be held. The hotel of our choice satisfied both our tutors and participants who chose to stay there during the workshop of 2009. We are glad to continue working with it and to being able to offer the rooms at even more economical prices. Should you be interested in sharing a room with another participant, please send an email to the local coordinator indicating your wish and your gender or any other specific wishes.

The hotel suites are elegant and spacious, air-conditioned, and Wi-Fi equipped. It is very conveniently located close to CNIC (a 15-min. walk or a 3-stop bus ride), the metro, the Chamartin railway station, the Plaza de Castilla with the famous KIO Towers, and the Cuatro Torres (Four Towers) Business Area.